Los Angeles Unified School District leaders sought to reassure parents and students Wednesday about the safety of Southland campuses in response to a mass shooting at a Florida high school that has resulted in multiple deaths.

The shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, near Miami erupted around 2:30 p.m. Eastern time. The suspected shooter, believed to be a former student, was taken into custody within about 90 minutes. By late afternoon, sheriff’s officials said 17 people had died in the shooting.

LAUSD Board of Education President Monica Garcia and Interim Superintendent Vivian Ekchian issued a joint statement expressing shock at the violence, but also seeking to comfort parents of Los Angeles students.

“We also want to assure all parents, students and staff that safety remains the top priority of L.A. Unified,” they said. “We continue to work with the Los Angeles School Police Department, along with public safety and mental health agencies, to ensure planning preparation and response to incidents that may affect safety.

“In addition, we encourage everyone in our district to remain vigilant in working together to keep our schools safe. If you see something, say something.”